USF had poor post presence last season. Coach Stan Heath said he believes that will be fixed by two freshmen – 6-foot-10, 230-pound John Egbunu and 6-8, 245-pound Chris Perry of Bartow. Egbunu is a shot-blocker who runs the floor effectively and plays way, way above the rim. Perry is a big-body bruiser with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, great hands, a nice touch and decent footwork. Heath said one of them will definitely start. They could be playing side-to-side at some point during the season.

New league

After eight seasons in the Big East Conference, USF basketball will join the fifth league in the program's history – the 10-team American Athletic Conference. It's a mix of teams from the old Big East and Conference USA, plus Temple from the Atlantic 10. The AAC already has respect since it features defending national champion and No. 3-ranked Louisville (for one season, at least, before the Cardinals bounce to the ACC), No. 13 Memphis and No. 18 Connecticut. Considering Cincinnati and Temple, the AAC could realistically place half of its league members in the NCAA Tournament field. USF ushers in its new era when Memphis visits the Sun Dome on New Year's Eve.

Non-conference

USF has a rigorous non-conference schedule, highlighted by a Nov. 25 visit from No. 8-ranked Oklahoma State and sophomore guard Marcus Smart, a unanimous choice on the Associated Press preseason All-American team. The Bulls also face Florida Gulf Coast, the Dunk-City darlings of last season's NCAA Tournament, Alabama, Mississippi State and possibly UNLV at the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic just before Christmas.

Young guns

The Bulls presented a trial-by-fire last season for freshmen JaVontae Hawkins (10 starts) and Zach LeDay (four). Now they are sophomores and eager to assume more prominent roles. Hawkins is an electrifying talent who can score in bunches. LeDay, a take-no-prisoners leader has gained about 25 pounds since last season, up to 233 on his 6-foot-7 frame. Heath calls LeDay “my future Ron Anderson guy,'' referring to the former Bulls enforcer and unquestioned leader.

Depth

The Bulls were mighty thin last season, due to a depleted roster and periodic injuries. Point guard Anthony Collins had 20 games of 35 minutes or more and he was worn down by season's end. Victor Rudd, playing a variety of positions, had 13 games of 35 minutes or more. Heath said the Bulls should easily go nine or 10 players deep. Expect the Bulls to play a faster pace and some occasional pockets of full-court defense. There's also versatility, allowing USF to go with a big or small lineup.